A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. Galveston for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Memphis or Galveston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Galveston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Galveston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis than Galveston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Memphis is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Galveston is known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Galveston is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Galveston and Memphis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Memphis or Galveston?

Galveston is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Galveston can be an interesting and educational experience. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Memphis or Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Memphis and Galveston both to be good destinations.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Galveston offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Memphis and Galveston.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Galveston offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Galveston is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Memphis. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Galveston is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Galveston has an old town worth visiting. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Galveston?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Galveston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for Families?

Galveston is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Galveston. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for Couples?

Galveston is a great town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Galveston is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for Students?

Memphis is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Galveston is not popular with students.

Is Memphis or Galveston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Memphis and Galveston both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

Is Memphis or Galveston a more walkable city?

Memphis and Galveston are good when it comes to walkability.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Galveston is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

For even more information, also check out Is Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Galveston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Galveston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Galveston. In our opinion, Galveston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Galveston than Memphis. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Galveston.

Families should spend more time in Galveston than Memphis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Galveston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Galveston than Memphis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Galveston that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galveston than Memphis if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Galveston.

One day in Memphis or Galveston?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Galveston, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Memphis or Galveston?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Memphis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Galveston, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Galveston has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Galveston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Memphis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Galveston is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Galveston?

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galveston. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galveston. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Memphis and Galveston, we can see that Galveston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Memphis Expensive? and Is Galveston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Galveston?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Galveston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Memphis or Galveston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Memphis or Galveston in the Summer?

Both Galveston and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Memphis is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

In July, Memphis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galveston. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Galveston in the Autumn?

Both Galveston and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

Memphis is cooler than Galveston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Galveston. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Galveston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Galveston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. In the winter, Memphis is much colder than Galveston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Galveston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Galveston. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Galveston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Galveston. Many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Galveston in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Memphis is generally cooler than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galveston and Memphis